The list of academic options at Oakland University is constantly growing. OU currently offers more than 120 undergraduate degrees and more than 120 graduate and certificate options. Students have the opportunity to participate in high-level research as early as their freshman year.

From important registration reminders to daily events, stay focused on the finish line while getting the most out of your educational experience. More than 200 active student organizations take learning to a new level, while student service offices are here to help you succeed.

Nearly 100,000 alumni proudly call OU their alma mater. Upon graduation, you will automatically be welcomed as a member of Oakland University’s very active Alumni Association. Alumni stay connected through networking, volunteering and mentorship programs.

Nearly half a million people visit campus each year to explore OU’s cultural icons, such as the home to OU’s founder, our very own National Historic Landmark. Be inspired by guest speakers from around the world, or awed by artwork, student, faculty and guest performances.

Your gift matters! Contributions from alumni and friends create opportunities that prepare Oakland University students to be leaders. Support the OU Fund (the area of greatest need), scholarships, athletics, the library, Meadow Brook Hall, or one of the hundreds of other areas that make Oakland unique.

The Grizzlies’ growing Division I athletics program is a member of the Horizon League, one of the NCAA’s top performing leagues. Athletes can also be found in dozens of club and intramural sports, or playing recreational games of disc or ball golf on one of OU’s courses.

Program description

The Master of Education in Higher Education Leadership degree program prepares students for leadership and administration in colleges and universities. Designed for individuals interested in entry to mid-level college administration, the program includes a core curriculum that introduces students to critical issues in higher education with an emphasis on social justice concerns. Students study both academic or student affairs leadership. A capstone/internship will provide students with hands-on experience translating theory and research to practice in a college or university setting.

Admission terms and application deadlines

Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Graduate Admissions by the semester deadlines listed below.

On-Campus Fall Start Program

December 15 (Early consideration)

April 15 (Regular)

June 1 (Late; considered only if space permits)

On-Campus Winter Start Program (limited enrollment)

November 15

Fully Online Summer Start Program

April 10

International applicants

On-Campus
The on-campus cohort begins in the fall term, and it is recommended that you apply early. The cohort is filled to a maximum of 20 students. A limited number of winter term applications will be considered. Students accepted for winter semester are expected to take a summer class during the first year

On-line
The on-line cohort begins in the Summer I term.

Application requirements

To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all Graduate Application Requirements and additional department requirements by the published application deadlines:

Requirements for recommendations
The two Recommendation for Graduate Admission forms must be from individuals in a supervisory or advisory relationship to the applicant who can address the applicant’s potential to perform at the graduate education level.

and resumé (see specific questions for the Master of Education in higher education leadership program)

An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0

Admission review and assessment

Admission to graduate school at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to the Oakland University Graduate School, each department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses and any other admission requirements established by the academic department. Meeting minimal criteria does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

c. Elective (4 credits)

d. Exit (4 credits)

Satisfactory academic progress

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is the term used to denote a student’s successful completion of coursework toward a certificate or degree. Federal regulations require the Office of Financial Aid to monitor Satisfactory Academic Progress for all financial aid recipients each semester.

Students who fall behind in their coursework, or fail to achieve minimum standards for grade point average and completion of classes, may lose their eligibility for all types of federal, state and university aid. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional details.

Good academic standing

All graduate students are expected to remain in good academic standing throughout the entire course of their graduate program. To be in good academic standing, a graduate student must make satisfactory progress toward fulfilling degree requirements, including the completion of critical degree milestones as set forth by the academic program. The student must also maintain a minimum semester and overall GPA of 3.0.

Good academic standing is a requirement for:

Holding a Graduate Assistantship

Receiving a fellowship or scholarship

Advancing to candidacy for a graduate degree

Going on a leave of absence

Obtaining a graduate certificate or degree from Oakland University.

Additionally, graduate students must meet all department academic standards which may be more stringent than the minimum set forth by the University.

Department requirements: No grade below a 3.0 may be applied to the degree.

Graduate students who are not in good academic standing for any reason are subject to probation and/or dismissal from further graduate study.

Related program information

Portfolio

At the completion of the capstone/internship, students will submit a portfolio documenting learning performance.